Apparatus providing aesthetically pleasing garment accessory

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is for a user and a user garment. The apparatus includes a garment support configured to support the user garment. A lock device is configured to be coupled to the garment support. The lock device is configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment. This is done in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment. A user support extends from the garment support. The user support is configured to be worn and supported by the user. The garment support, the lock device and the user support, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by the user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to) an apparatus including garment support, lock device and user support that, in combination, provides an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by a user.

BACKGROUND

A fashion accessory is an item that is used to contribute, in a secondary manner, to the wearer's outfit, often used to complete an outfit and chosen to specifically complement the wearer's look. Fashion accessories can be loosely categorized into two general areas: those that are carried and those that are worn. Traditional carried accessories include purses and handbags, hand fans, parasols and umbrellas, canes, and ceremonial swords. Accessories that are worn may include jackets, boots and shoes, cravats, ties, hats, bonnets, belts and suspenders, gloves, muffs, jewelry, watches, sashes, shawls, scarves, socks, and stockings, etc.

SUMMARY

It will be appreciated that there exists a need to mitigate (at least in part) at least one problem associated with existing fashion accessories (also called existing technology). After much study of the known systems and methods with experimentation, an understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is articulated as follows:

From time to time, users need to carry a fashion accessory, such as a jacket or any other garment, etc., as opposed to wearing the jacket. What is needed is an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory (also called an aesthetically pleasing fashion accessory) for holding the garment (when needed as such), and for the case where the aesthetically pleasing garment accessory does not hold the garment, the aesthetically pleasing garment accessory may be worn as such by the user.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for a user and a user garment. The apparatus includes a garment support configured to support the user garment once the user garment is received by the garment support just so. A lock device is configured to be coupled to the garment support. The lock device is configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment. This is done in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so. A user support extends from the garment support. The user support is configured to be worn and supported by the user just so. The garment support, the lock device and the user support, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) an apparatus. The apparatus is for a user. The apparatus includes a user garment. A garment support is configured to support the user garment once the user garment is received by the garment support just so. A lock device is configured to be coupled to the garment support. The lock device is configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so. A user support extends from the garment support. The user support is configured to be worn and supported by the user just so. The garment support, the lock device and the user support, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment.

To mitigate, at least in part, at least one problem associated with existing technology, there is provided (in accordance with a major aspect) a method. The method is for fashion accessorizing a user and a user garment. The method includes supporting the user garment with a garment support once the user garment is received by the garment support just so. The method also includes coupling a lock device to the garment support. The lock device is configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so. The method also includes extending a user support from the garment support. The user support is configured to be worn and supported by the user just so. The method also includes providing an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory with a combination of the garment support, the lock device and the user support. The aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment.

Other aspects are identified in the claims.

Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B (SHEET 1 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of an apparatus including a garment support, a lock device and a user support;

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C (SHEET 2 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B (SHEET 3 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B (SHEET 3 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the lock device of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C (SHEET 4 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B; and

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B (SHEET 5 of 5 SHEETS) depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details that render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

-   100 apparatus -   102 garment support -   104 lock device -   106 user support -   108 first channel -   110 second channel -   112 stitching formation -   900 user -   902 user garment -   904 handbag

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)

The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For the description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented in the drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase “at least one” is equivalent to “a”. The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options, variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects depicted and described.

FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B depict side views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 including a garment support 102, a lock device 104 and a user support 106.

The apparatus 100 is for a user 900 and a user garment 902. For instance, the user garment 902 may include a jacket, etc., and any equivalent thereof. The apparatus 100 includes (and is not limited to) a synergistic combination of the garment support 102, the lock device 104 and the user support 106. The garment support 102 is configured to support (directly or indirectly) the user garment 902 once the user garment 902 is received by the garment support 102 just so. The lock device 104 is configured to be coupled to the garment support 102. The lock device 104 is configured to lock a length of the garment support 102 around the user garment 902. This is done in such a way that the garment support 102 securely holds the user garment 902 just so. The user support 106 extends from the garment support 102. The user support 106 is configured to be worn and supported by the user 900 just so. The garment support 102, the lock device 104 and the user support 106, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory (as depicted, for instance, in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B and FIG. 5A). The aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user 900 once the user 900 supportably wears (directly or indirectly) the user support 106 for the case where the garment support 102 is empty and does not receive the user garment 902.

It will be appreciated that there is provided a method of fashion accessorizing the user 900 and the user garment 902. The method includes a synergistic combination of a first operation (A), a second operation (B), a third operation (C) and a fourth operation (D).

The first operation (A) includes supporting the user garment 902 with the garment support 102 once the user garment 902 is received by the garment support 102 just so.

The second operation (B) includes coupling the lock device 104 to the garment support 102. The lock device 104 is configured to lock a length of the garment support 102 around the user garment 902 in such a way that the garment support 102 securely holds the user garment 902 just so.

The third operation (C) includes extending the user support 106 from the garment support 102. The user support 106 is configured to be worn and supported by the user 900 just so.

The fourth operation (D) includes providing an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory with a combination of the garment support 102, the lock device 104 and the user support 106. The aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user 900 once the user 900 supportably wears the user support 106 for a case where the garment support 102 is empty and does not receive the user garment 902.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 is placed in a garment-holding condition (state) in which the garment support 102 (in use) holds the user garment 902, and the user support 106 (in use) is held on the shoulder of the user 900. For this case, the user support 106 is directly supported by the user 900.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1B, the apparatus 100 is placed in the garment-holding condition (state) in which the garment support 102 (in use) holds the user garment 902, and the user support 106 (in use) is held on (supported by) a handbag 904 (and any equivalent thereof) of the user 900. This is done while the user 900 holds the handbag 904. For this case, the user support 106 is indirectly supported by the user 900.

FIG. 2A, FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2A, the lock device 104 is configured to be coupled to the garment support 102 in such a way that the lock device 104 is movable along a length of the garment support 102. For instance, once the user garment 902 is received in a loop formed by the garment support 102, the lock device 104 may be moved (is movable). This is done in such a way that the garment support 102 securely tightens around the user garment 902 thereby securely entrapping the user garment 902 in the garment support 102, and prevents accidental slipping of the user garment 902 from the garment support 102.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2B, the lock device 104 is moved (is movable) along the length of the garment support 102 in such a way that the garment support 102 is made shorter and forms a relatively smaller loop.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2C, the lock device 104 is moved (is movable) along the length of the garment support 102 in such a way that the garment support 102 is made longer and forms a relatively larger loop.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the apparatus 100 is placed in a storage condition (state) in which the garment support 102, the lock device 104 and the user support 106, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory. The aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user 900 once the user 900 supportably wears (directly or indirectly) the user support 106 for the case where the garment support 102 is empty and does not receive the user garment 902.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3A, in the storage condition, the garment support 102 and the user support 106 are positioned around the neck of the user 900. The lock device 104 is positioned proximate to the neck of the user 900.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3B, in the storage condition, the garment support 102 and the user support 106 are positioned around the neck of the user 900. The lock device 104 is spaced apart from the neck of the user 900 (dangling on the front side of the user 900 below the neck).

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict side views of embodiments of the lock device 104 of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4A, the lock device 104 provides (forms) a first channel 108 and a second channel 110 that is spaced apart from the first channel 108. The lock device 104 has (forms) an oval shape.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 4B, the lock device 104 has (forms) a FIG. 8 shape.

FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5A, the apparatus 100 is placed in the storage condition (state) in which the garment support 102, the lock device 104 and the user support 106, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory. The aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user 900 once the user 900 supportably wears (directly or indirectly) the user support 106 for the case where the garment support 102 is empty and does not receive the user garment 902.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5A, in the storage condition, the garment support 102 and the user support 106 are worn around the waist of the user 900.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5B, the garment support 102 includes two lengths of a fabric material that are sewn together with a stitching formation 112. The user support 106 is looped around the garment support 102 (so that the user support 106 is now ready to be received by the user 900 of FIG. 5A in the storage condition of the apparatus 100).

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 5C, the user support 106 is no longer made to loop around the garment support 102 (so that the garment support 102 is now ready to receive the user garment in the garment-holding condition of the apparatus 100).

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B depict side views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 of any one of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6A, the garment support 102 forms two separate fabric material portions that are not sewn together.

Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6B, the two separate fabric material portions are configured to be tied together (to form a knot) thereby forming a loop configured to receive the user garment.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above may be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and tasks within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms. There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of the equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular mode of practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for this document, that the phrase “includes” is equivalent to the word “comprising.” The foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for a user and a user garment, the apparatus comprising: a garment support being configured to support the user garment once the user garment is received by the garment support just so; a lock device being configured to be coupled to the garment support, and the lock device being configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so; and a user support extending from the garment support, and the user support being configured to be worn and supported by the user just so; and wherein the garment support, the lock device and the user support, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is placed in a garment-holding condition in which: the garment support, in use, holds the user garment; and the user support, in use, is held on the shoulder of the user.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the apparatus is placed in a garment-holding condition in which: the garment support, in use, holds the user garment; and the user support is held, in use, on a handbag while the user holds the handbag.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device is configured to be coupled to the garment support in such a way that the lock device is movable along the length of the garment support.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: once the user garment is received in a loop formed by the garment support, the lock device is movable in such a way that the garment support securely tightens around the user garment thereby securely entrapping the user garment in the garment support and prevents accidental slipping of the user garment from the garment support.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device is movable along the length of the garment support in such a way that the garment support is made shorter and forms a relatively smaller loop.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device is movable along the length of the garment support in such a way that the garment support is made longer and forms a relatively larger loop.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: in a storage condition, the garment support and the user support are positioned around the neck of the user.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: in a storage condition, the garment support and the user support are positioned around the neck of the user, and the lock device is positioned proximate to the neck of the user.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: in a storage condition, the garment support and the user support are positioned around the neck of the user, and the lock device is spaced apart from the neck of the user and dangling on the front side of the user below the neck of the user.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device provides: a first channel; and a second channel that is spaced apart from the first channel.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device forms an oval shape.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the lock device forms a FIG. 8 shape.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: in a storage condition, the garment support and the user support are worn around the waist of the user.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the garment support includes: two lengths of a fabric material that are sewn together with a stitching formation.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the user support is looped around the garment support so that the user support is now ready to be received by the user in a storage condition of the apparatus.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the garment support forms two separate fabric material portions that are not sewn together.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein: the two separate fabric material portions are configured to be tied together (to form a knot) thereby forming a loop configured to receive the user garment.
 19. An apparatus for a user, the apparatus comprising: a user garment; a garment support being configured to support the user garment once the user garment is received by the garment support just so; a lock device being configured to be coupled to the garment support, and the lock device being configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so; and a user support extending from the garment support, and the user support being configured to be worn and supported by the user just so; and wherein the garment support, the lock device and the user support, in combination, provide an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory that is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment.
 20. A method of fashion accessorizing a user and a user garment, the method comprising: supporting the user garment with a garment support once the user garment is received by the garment support just so; coupling a lock device to the garment support, and the lock device being configured to lock a length of the garment support around the user garment in such a way that the garment support securely holds the user garment just so; extending a user support from the garment support, and the user support being configured to be worn and supported by the user just so; and providing an aesthetically pleasing garment accessory with a combination of the garment support, the lock device and the user support, and the aesthetically pleasing garment accessory is wearable by the user once the user supportably wears the user support for a case where the garment support is empty and does not receive the user garment. 